I had been pretty active physically into my mid 20's. Then I got caught up in my job and career and slowly but surely I began to put on weight. At 6' 2", my body weight should have been in the 180-190 lbs. range, my college weight. But after years of neglecting my physical fitness, and over eating, I ballooned to 237 lbs. At a birthday party for my daughter, someone took a photo of me sitting on a couch. When I saw the photo, I was shocked, I actually looked like a fat Buddha. I finally realized I had lost control and needed to reverse my eating habits, and to get back into some kind of exercise regime or my health was going to suffer. A friend suggested running. That was the beginning. I also realized that running was not sufficient by itself, that I also needed to control my diet. I knew I couldn't do it on my own, so I chose to join Weight Watchers. Within 16 weeks, I lost 60 lbs., and got down to 180 lbs. Weight Watchers taught me the importance of portion control and good nutrition. When I turned 50, another friend who was a physical education teacher and a trainer introduced me to weight training. I've been with it ever since, 30 years now.

My career and my family is what motivates me. I want to enjoy my retirement with my wife of almost 50 years for as long as possible, and I want to be around to enjoy my grandchildren and watch them grow up, and to share the important moments in their lives like graduation, marriage and their own children. I also had a very long (57 years) and rewarding career in book publishing, and in the last 25 years (I retired when I was 79), I specialized in publishing books on health, nutrition,fitness and altnernative medicine. The books I published and the authors I worked with taught me a lot about health and wellness, and I try to practice what I've learned over all of those years.

I don't really have a favorite exercise, I just enjoy doing my total exercise regimen, and I love doing it at the Laguna Health Club. I joined when my wife and I first came to Laguna Beach 12 years ago, and I love the people who belong to Laguna Health - they are warm and friendly and it's a very congenial atmosphere that makes the whole workout experience fun.

I know, for many people, working out is a chore and not much fun. But, I can tell you from my own experience that the benefits of regular workouts far exceed any discomfort you may experience. Over the last 8 years, I've had a stroke, seven different surgical procedures including my back, one of my knees, a hip replacement, both carotid arteries, and cataract surgery on both eyes. I had no after effects from the stroke, and recovered faster from these procedures, according to my doctors, than the average person who does not exercise. So, at 80, I'm looking forward to the next couple of decades of good health. Working out has worked for me, and I know it will for you too!!!